Interview with UEIL President Mattia Adani
Founded in 1953, the Union of the European Lubricants Industry (UEIL) is one of the leading industry associations representing independent lubricant producers and companies operating in the metalworking fluids sector across Europe. Headquartered in Brussels, UEIL currently represents more than 450 member companies from 35 countries, employing over 100,000 people. The year 2025 will mark a historic milestone for UEIL. The Union will hold its 60th Annual Congress from October 15 to 17 in the picturesque city of Stresa, Italy. The theme of the congress will be “Driving the Transformation.”
Established 72 years ago to safeguard the interests of the European lubricants industry, UEIL promotes technical advancement, provides guidance on strategic areas such as sustainability and circularity, and ensures effective representation of the sector in its interactions with European Union institutions. Over the decades, it has contributed to policy development across a broad spectrum of issues from health and safety to environmental regulations, recycling, and technical standards. UEIL also plays a central role in facilitating technical knowledge and data exchange within the industry.
In recent years, UEIL has intensified its focus on sustainability, launching the Circular Materials Working Group in collaboration with ATIEL (Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry). This initiative leads projects that encourage the use of re-refined base oils (RRBOs) and renewable ingredients. It also supports sector-wide transformation aligned with the European Green Deal, offering guidance on carbon footprint reduction and life cycle analysis.
The industry gathers in Stresa to reflect on its past and shape its future
2025 marks a significant milestone for UEIL, as the association prepares to host its 60th Annual Congress in Stresa, Italy, from October 15–17. Under the theme “Driving the Transformation: Sustainability, Resilience, and Digitalization in the Lubricants Sector,” the congress will convene industry leaders, technical experts, and innovators from Europe and beyond. Key topics will include sustainability, digitalization, international trade, and regulatory developments, with participants sharing their visions for the future of the industry.
As UEIL President Mattia Adani notes, the congress is not only a celebration of the past but also a platform to shape the future of the sector. A gala dinner at the historic Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées – featured in Ernest Hemingway’s novel A Farewell to Arms – along with cultural events around Lake Maggiore, will add a memorable touch to this landmark gathering.
Adani: This Congress Is Both a Professional and Personal Summit for Me
UEIL’s 72-year legacy, its strategic role in the transformation of the European lubricants industry, and the special significance of this year’s congress offer a valuable framework for reflection among sector professionals. In this context, we conducted an interview with UEIL President Mattia Adani to hear firsthand about the association’s contributions to date and its vision for the future.
The 60th UEIL Annual Congress will be held this year in Italy, a place very close to your heart. How does it feel to welcome the industry to your home country?
It’s truly a special moment for me, both professionally and personally. Stresa lies just a short drive from my company, and I’ve always believed this region reflects the very best of Italy: its natural beauty, its hospitality, and its deep roots in manufacturing and innovation. I’m honored that we can bring the UEIL community here to celebrate our 60th Congress in such an inspiring setting.
What makes this year’s Congress especially significant?
Sixty years is an incredible milestone. Since our first Congress, we have been bringing together the European lubricants industry to navigate immense change together: from regulatory shifts and sustainability challenges to technological innovation and the evolving needs of our customers. This anniversary Congress is a moment to reflect on that journey, but more importantly, to look forward and discuss how we can shape the next decade of growth and transformation.
What can attendees expect from this year’s event?
A strong technical and policy agenda, as always, but also a very warm Italian welcome! With the theme “Navigating transformation: sustainability, resilience and digitalization in the lubricants industry,” we will discuss the challenges and opportunities that sustainability, digitalization, and international trade present for our industry.
The Congress will also provide the perfect backdrop for networking with industry leaders, experts, and innovators from across Europe and the world. And of course, you will not want to miss our celebratory Gala Dinner in the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, a luxury five-star hotel featured in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms.
Any personal highlights or recommendations for visitors coming to Stresa?
Absolutely, Lake Maggiore is breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting Isola Bella and its baroque Palazzo Borromeo and Italianate garden, and I invite you to visit for a private tour as part of the President’s Reception. Why not also take a stroll through the historic town center and try some local cuisine – I particularly recommend the region’s famous cured meats and cheeses!
